Governor to choose new Kaua‘i circuit judge from five nominees

Five legal professionals are being forwarded to the governor to fill the vacancy on the Fifth Circuit (Kaua‘i) Circuit Court created by the retirement of Judge Kathleen N.A. Watanabe. The Judicial Selection Commission on Jan. 13 submitted Stephanie R.S. Char, Craig A. De Costa, Simeona L.L.A. Mariano, Michael D. Scarbo, and Kimberly A. Torigoe Metcalfe for consideration.

The slate includes sitting judges, county and state attorneys, and private counsel: Stephanie R.S. Char serves as a district family court judge in the Fifth Circuit; Craig A. De Costa is a criminal defense attorney; Simeona L.L.A. Mariano is a deputy attorney general in the Family Law Division; Michael D. Scarbo is a partner in private practice and currently serves as a per diem judge in the Fifth Circuit; and Kimberly A. Torigoe Metcalfe is a deputy county attorney for the County of Kaua‘i. Those diverse backgrounds signal choices that could shape how family, criminal, and county-related matters are handled on the island.

By law the governor has 30 days from the commission’s submission to appoint one nominee to the bench; that deadline falls on Feb. 12, 2026. The appointment will then require confirmation by the state Senate before the new judge can assume full duties. Members of the public are able to offer comment to the governor’s office through its established contact channels during the selection window.

For Kaua‘i residents the selection carries immediate practical consequences. The Fifth Circuit handles a broad docket that includes family court matters that touch many local ohana, criminal cases that affect public safety, and civil disputes where county interests can be at stake. A new permanent judge can reduce reliance on per diem coverage, improve continuity on long-running cases, and influence how culturally sensitive practices are applied in courtrooms across Lihue, Kapa‘a, and the North Shore.

The candidates’ mix of family law experience, criminal defense practice, and county and state government work gives the governor options that weigh courtroom temperament against institutional knowledge of Kaua‘i’s legal landscape. Community advocates and attorneys will be watching how the nominee balances legal precedent, local custom, and the demand for timely case resolution.

The takeaway? This is a moment when local input matters. If you have concerns about family law access, court delays, or how the bench reflects Kaua‘i values, send your comments to the governor’s office and follow the confirmation process. Our two cents? Engage early, be specific about how court outcomes affect your ohana, and expect the new appointment to shape Kaua‘i’s justice system for years to come.